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☆ U.S. passport delays have eased — but aren’t yet back to normal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Tooga | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesRecord passport demand fuels delaysJordan Siemens | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesPassport processing delays resulted from high demand for international travel as pandemic-era health fears and travel restrictions loosened. Before the pandemic, it took two to three weeks for expedited passports and six to eight weeks for routine passport processing, the State Department said. Passport demand generally fluctuates throughout the year. Andrea Comi | Moment | Getty ImagesA traditional passport — a passport book — costs $130. Expedited passport processing costs an extra $60.

Persons: It's, You've, Andrea Comi Organizations: Digitalvision, Getty, Siemens, State Department, Department, Travelers, United States Postal Service

☆ Blinken to visit Israel, West Bank, UAE this week to continue Gaza diplomacy
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Humeyra Pamuk | Thomson Reuters | Humeyra Pamuk Is A Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent Based In Washington Dc. She Covers The U.S. State Department | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Blinken will travel to Belgium, North Macedonia, Israel, the West Bank, and the UAE from Monday to Saturday, the department said in a statement. Blinken will discuss what Washington wants to see in Gaza if Israel is able to eliminate Hamas, a State Department official said earlier. Blinken will also discuss the need for an independent Palestinian state as well as attend the UN COP28 climate summit in Dubai, according to the State Department. Some hostages have been freed in recent days in exchange for Palestinians held by Israel in a deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt and agreed by Israel, Hamas and the United States. The top U.S. diplomat "will also discuss the principles he outlined in Tokyo on November 8, (and) tangible steps to further the creation of a future Palestinian state," the State Department said.

Persons: Antony Blinken disembarks, SAUL LOEB, Antony Blinken, Blinken, Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis, Kanishka Singh, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Brussels, NATO, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, West Bank, United, U.S . State Department, UAE, State Department, Hamas, Organization for Security, Cooperation, Thomson Locations: Brussels, Belgium, Rights BRUSSELS, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Washington, Gaza, North Macedonia, Dubai, Qatar, Egypt, United States, Japan, Tokyo, Europe, Skopje

Stollsteimer joins a Democratic primary field that is already four-deep in which he will be the only elected prosecutor. In his campaign for attorney general, Stollsteimer will lean heavily on his experience as the twice-elected district attorney of Delaware County, Pennsylvania's fifth-most populous county sitting between Philadelphia and Delaware. In 2019, he won his race for district attorney, becoming the first Democrat to hold the office in Delaware County, once a Republican bastion that Democrats now control. On the Republican side, York County District Attorney Dave Sunday and former federal prosecutor Katayoun Copeland have announced their candidacies. Attorney General Michelle Henry does not plan to run to keep the office.

Persons: Jack Stollsteimer, Joe Biden’s, ” Stollsteimer, Stollsteimer, Donald Trump’s, ”, Fanta Bility, Jared Solomon of Philadelphia, Eugene DePasquale, Joe Kahn, Keir Bradford, Dave Sunday, Katayoun Copeland, Michelle Henry, Marc Levy Organizations: Democratic, Treasury Department, Democrats, Temple University, Republican, of Education, Philadelphia Inquirer Locations: HARRISBURG, Pa, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware, “, Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, York County

☆ Hamas Says Commander of Its Northern Gaza Brigade Is Dead
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Iyad Abuheweila | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Hamas, the armed group that controls Gaza, said on Sunday that one of its top commanders had been killed in its war with Israel there. The announcement from Hamas came on the third day of a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas to facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. On Sunday morning the military wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, issued a brief statement saying that Abu Anas al-Ghandour, who led the group’s fighters in northern Gaza, and three other commanders had been killed. Mr. al-Ghandour was the most senior commander that Hamas has confirmed dead since the group’s announcement last month that Ayman Nofal, a member of its General Military Council and the commander of the Central Brigade in the Qassam Brigades, had been killed. One of those freed in the deal, Yahya Sinwar, eventually became Hamas’s leader in Gaza and, according to Israeli officials, a mastermind of the Oct. 7 attacks.

Persons: Abu Anas al, Ghandour, Ayman Nofal, ”, Gilad Shalit, Shalit, Yahya Sinwar Organizations: Hamas, Qassam Brigades, The, Military Council, Central Brigade, State Department Locations: Gaza, Israel

It's part of a statewide program requiring larger businesses to donate edible food and, if they can, recycle remaining food scraps. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency announced a goal of 50% food waste reduction by 2030. California and Vermont have launched programs converting residents’ food waste into compost or energy, while Connecticut requires businesses, including larger food wholesalers and supermarkets, to recycle food waste. This is the problem.”Despite New York's success, advocates for food waste worry not enough is being done to meet the 2030 goal. “The best solution for food waste is to not have it in the first place,” Bender said.

Persons: —, Sean Rafferty, wasn't, Rafferty, ”, Emily Broad Leib, Broad Leib, we’re, Sally Rowland, Danielle Vasquez, Vasquez, Betsy Quiroa, Quiroa, Kathryn Bender, ” Bender, let's, ” ___ Casey Organizations: Harvard Food Law, Policy Clinic, The U.S, Harvard University, Food Law, U.S . Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, District of Columbia, New York, New, New York State, Westchester, Carver, Port, Social Security, University of Delaware Locations: New York, ” New York, United States, U.S, California, Vermont, Connecticut, Farmers, Maryland, New, Rhode, Massachusetts, Westchester County, Port Chester's, Westchester, ., Boston

☆ Au Revoir, Au Pairs
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Kristina Rasmussen | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

Seeking safety and opportunity in America, she applied for and was accepted into the U.S. au pair program, lived with us for two years and learned to love this country. The State Department essentially wants to end the au pair program, which connects more than 21,000 foreigners with American families a year. The forthcoming mandate would require employers to treat au pairs more like traditional employees, though the program was designed to combine cultural exchange and child care. Families currently can pay an au pair a weekly stipend of about $200 and pitch in for things like college tuition. An au pair can cost as little as $20,000, a bargain compared with other child-care options for families with several kids.

Persons: Liza, Biden, finalizes Organizations: State Department Locations: Ukraine, Russia, America, U.S

☆ Garland calls for ‘swift extradition’ of top cartel criminal after arrest in Mexico
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Zoe Sottile | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US Attorney General Merrick Garland has called for the “swift extradition” of Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, described by the Justice Department as a lead assassin for the Sinaloa Cartel, after his arrest in Mexico. Pérez Salas is “one of the Sinaloa Cartel’s lead sicarios, or assassins,” according to a news release from the Department of Justice. Known as “Nini,” Pérez Salas was captured by the Mexican National Guard on Wednesday in Culiacán, Sinaloa, according to Mexican officials. President Joe Biden praised Mexican security forces for Pérez Salas’ arrest on Wednesday. “On November 22, Mexican security forces captured Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas (‘El Nini’), the notorious head of security for the Chapitos wing of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Persons: General Merrick Garland, Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, Pérez Salas, ” Pérez Salas, Oscar Noé Medina González, Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, Joaquín, Guzmán, Joe Biden, Pérez Salas ’, “, ‘, El Nini, Biden, Andres Manuel López Obrador, López Obrador, ” Organizations: CNN, Justice Department, Department of Justice, Mexican National Guard, US State Department, State Department, The State Department, Chapitos, United, US, Mexican Army Locations: Sinaloa, Mexico, Culiacán, United States, Mexican, China, El

☆ With crises brewing around the world, the US's diplomatic 'special agents' are sharpening old skills and learning some new ones
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Stavros Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The State Department relies on its Diplomatic Security Service to protect diplomats around the world. To protect those diplomats, the State Department relies on a little-known but highly capable agency — the Diplomatic Security Service. US State DepartmentAs the State Department's law-enforcement and security arm, the Diplomatic Security Service has been protecting US diplomats at home and abroad since 1916. "Through the council, the State Department can exchange information in real-time with hundreds of private businesses, faith-based organizations, and other US entities," a State Department spokesperson told Insider. Diplomatic Security ServiceFollowing a string of high-profile cyberattacks against government agencies and private businesses, US national-security officials are increasingly focused on cybersecurity.

Persons: —, Anatolii Organizations: Diplomatic Security Service, DSS, Service, UN, Assembly, US State Department As, State, State Department, Mobile Security, Mobile, Foreign Affairs Security Training Center, US Department of State Regional, US, Overseas Security Advisory Council, Publishing, Getty, Operations Command, Foreign Affairs Counter, APEC, Diplomatic Security, State Department's, Department of Homeland Security, Management, Budget Locations: Ukraine, China, Taiwan, State, Virginia, Kyiv, Russia, San Francisco

Israel continues to dismiss calls for a longer-term cease-fire accompanied by political negotiations, despite growing U.S. and international concern about the humanitarian toll in Gaza. As it pummeled Gaza City in the north, the Israeli government told residents to go to southern Gaza, and many did so. But Israel has continued to carry out airstrikes across the south with large munitions: 1,000- to 2,000-pound bombs. U.S. officials say their top goals include maintaining electricity supplies to Gaza’s hospitals and providing fuel for water desalinization. It’s not that they expect the pause will turn into a cease-fire” lasting weeks or longer.

Persons: Biden, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, ” Matthew Miller, Miller, David Satterfield, Brett McGurk, Mr, McGurk, ”, —, they’re, ” Martin, Antony J Organizations: Qatari, Hamas, State Department, United Nations, U.S, U.S . Agency for International Development, National Public Radio, Wednesday Locations: Gaza, Gaza —, United States, Israel, Egypt, East, North Africa, Qatar, U.S

☆ Mexico captures 'El Nini,' Sinaloa Cartel's alleged security boss
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MEXICO CITY, Nov 22 (Reuters) - The Mexican National Guard on Wednesday captured Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, or "El Nini," who is accused of heading security for the faction of the Sinaloa Cartel headed by the sons of founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Seen by U.S. anti-narcotics agents as one of the most ruthless Mexican drug figures, Perez Salas was detained in Culiacan, the Sinaloa Cartel's heartlands, and was taken to Mexico City, according to government detention records. "We're working side-by-side to combat arms trafficking, to tackle organized crime and to address the opioid epidemic, including fentanyl," Biden said. The U.S. and Mexico also agreed with China last week to stem the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals from the Asian country. In January, Mexican authorities captured Ovidio Guzman in Sinaloa and extradited him to the United States in September.

Persons: Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, Joaquin, El, Guzman, Perez Salas, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, Joe Biden, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Biden, Ovidio Guzman, Ivan, Manuel Carrillo, Kylie Madry, Sarah Morland, Brendan O'Boyle Organizations: MEXICO CITY, Mexican National Guard, heartlands, U.S . State Department, The State Department, U.S . Drug, Administration, Thomson Locations: MEXICO, Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico City, U.S, Mexico, China, United States, Lincoln

☆ Opinion | Why the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process Failed
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( The Ezra Klein Show | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

It is too early to talk about a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. Peace efforts in the Middle East have been tried over and over again. Aaron David Miller is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the author of “The Much Too Promised Land: America’s Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace.” Few people have been as intimately involved in the many Middle East peace processes as Miller. He’s a decades-long veteran of the State Department who has touched peace negotiations under the Reagan, the Clinton and both Bush administrations. His book is the best I’ve read on the peace processes and what went wrong.

Persons: wasn’t, “, Ezra Klein, Aaron David Miller, Miller, He’s, Reagan, Clinton, Bush Organizations: Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, State Department Locations: Israel, Gaza, Egypt, East

☆ A Campaign Builds to Label Radio Free Europe Journalist as Wrongfully Detained
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Ann M. Simmons | Louise Radnofsky | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Alsu Kurmasheva was arrested in October on an allegation of failing to register as a foreign agent and placed in pretrial detention. Photo: Vladislav Mikhnevskii/Associated PressEarlier this year, Alsu Kurmasheva , a dual Russian-U.S. citizen and journalist for U.S.-government funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, faced a difficult choice. She wanted to travel to the Russian city of Kazan to see her ailing mother. In May, she made the trip, leaving the Czech Republic, where she lives, on her U.S. passport and entering Russia using her Russian passport. In June, Russian authorities stopped her from flying home, accusing her of failing to properly declare her U.S. citizenship.

Persons: Alsu Kurmasheva, Vladislav Mikhnevskii, Alsu Organizations: U.S, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, State Department Locations: Russian, Radio Free Europe, Kazan, Russia, Czech Republic

Some current and former officials and staffers said it’s the public nature of some of the challenges from federal employees that is unusual. The State Department has an honored tradition of allowing formal, structured statements of dissent to U.S. policy. It was done,'' said Thomas Shannon, a retired career foreign service officer who served in senior positions at the State Department. State Department officials say several expressions of dissent have made their way through the formal channels to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. One State Department official, 11-year veteran Josh Paul, quit late last month to protest the administration's rush to provide arms to Israel.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, “, ”, we’ve, Richard Nixon’s, George W, Bush, Obama, Thomas Shannon, Shannon, Trump, Sean Spicer, Donald Trump’s, I’m, ” Shannon, Antony Blinken, Josh Paul, Blinken, Matthew Miller, shirk, there's, Jamey Keaten, Matthew Lee Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, State Department, NASA, Hamas, Congressional, Capitol, Gaza, Israeli, Biden’s Democratic Party, The Associated Press, NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Census, U.S . Agency for International Development, Department of Defense, Palestinian Health Ministry, The State Department, U.S ., Trump, Biden, Department, White, State, USAID, Washington Post, Foreign, Muslim, Associated Press, AP Locations: Gaza, United States, Israel, U.S, Cambodia, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Geneva

☆ A top Democrat's indictment could be a game-changer for 2 troublesome allies seeking US fighter jets
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Paul Iddon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Menendez's removal could be a game-changer for two countries who have long sought US fighter jets. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . His removal could be a game-changer for Egypt and Turkey — two important but vexing US allies — when it comes to buying modern US-made fighter jets to upgrade their air forces. Turkey's F-16 prospectsA Turkish F-16 during a NATO Air Policing mission out of Poland in August 2021. It has ordered 54 French-made Rafale multirole jets in a bid to, at least partially, diversify its overwhelmingly American-made fighter arsenal.

Persons: Sen, Bob Menendez, Menendez, —, Bob Menendez's, Turkey's, Cuneyt, Getty Images Menendez, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Erdogan, Ben Cardin, Getty Images Cardin, Cardin, Ryan Bohl, RANE, Bohl, Frank McKenzie, Derek Seifert Cairo, Su, Paul Iddon Organizations: Foreign, Service, New, New Jersey Democrat, Senate Foreign Relations, NATO Air Policing, Anadolu Agency, Getty Images, Turkish, NATO, Turkish Air Force, East, Business, US Air Force KC, 135R, US Air Force, Getty, US Central Command, State Department, Air Force Locations: New Jersey, Egypt, Turkey, Turkish, Poland, NATO, coziness, Russia, Malbork, North Africa, Israel, Cairo, China, Dubai, United States, France

☆ $10 Billion More for Iran
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-18 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Wonder Land: Hamas knew that after Oct. 7 the narrative would shift to the isolation of Israel. Images: Zuma Press/AFP/Getty Images Composite: Mark KellyAfter the Oct. 7 rampage by Hamas, which is armed and funded by Iran, many Americans wanted to know: Would President Biden still release $6 billion to Tehran? All six Senate Democrats up for re-election in competitive states joined Republicans in calling on the President to freeze the money. Under pressure, the White House relented, signaling that it will block the $6 billion—for now—but evidently not because it has changed its mind on the wisdom of financing Iran. On Tuesday the State Department reissued a sanctions waiver that gives Iran access to more than $10 billion.

Persons: Mark Kelly, Biden Organizations: Zuma Press, Getty, White, State Department Locations: Israel, Iran, Tehran

But all Wright's family wants is for the 38-year-old businessman to be returned home. That position was reaffirmed Friday by the U.S. State Department in response to questions about Wright’s arrest. Some former Trump administration officials say Wright’s arrest is just the latest example of Maduro acting in bad faith. “He loved the nomadic lifestyle,” said Stewart, who didn't know her son was in Venezuela until she learned of his arrest. Wright’s family is speaking out because they feel the U.S. government hasn’t done enough to free him.

Persons: Biden, Savoi Wright’s, Nicolás, hasn’t, “, ”, Erin Stewart, Wright, Joe Biden, Maduro, Maria Corina Machado, Machado, Matthew Miller, Donald Trump's, Juan Guaidó, Kimberly Breier, Trump’s, Elliott Abrams, Maduro’s, Stewart, ” Stewart, Venezuela’s, Tarek William Saab didn’t, Luke Denman, Airan Berry —, — Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Joseph Cristella —, Moizeé Stewart, Wright’s, ” ___ Goodman, Tucker Organizations: U.S, Venezuelan, Associated Press, Oakland, U.S . State Department, Trump, Maduro, State Department, Loyola Marymount University, Green, FBI, U.S . Embassy, The State Department Locations: California, Venezuela, OPEC, Barbados, United States, Latin America, Washington, Colombia, Houston, Berkeley , California, Oakland, Miami, South America, U.S, Investigative@ap.org

☆ Israel-Hamas War Israel Indicates It Will Expand Its Offensive Into Southern Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-18 | by ( Ephrat Livni | Victoria Kim | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

The letter affirms President Biden’s opposition to a cease-fire, challenging demands from hundreds of officials that Israel halt its military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s government and Mr. Biden have rejected such a step as incompatible with Israel’s goal of destroying Hamas. The newer letter was delivered to Mr. Biden on Tuesday with 115 names, but its organizers continued to collect signatures until Friday. The earlier letter of dissent was delivered to Mr. Biden with a signature count but without names, although the signatories are known to that letter’s organizers. She cited an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted early this month that found that half of Democrats approved of Mr. Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Persons: Biden’s, Obama, Biden, Ron Klain, Lawrence H, Summers, Barack Obama, Colin H, Kahl, Joseph W, Westphal, Mr, Samantha Power, Power, Antony J, Blinken, Josh Paul, Soifer Organizations: Biden, Democratic, National Economic Council, Mr, U.S . Agency for International Development, United Nations, White House, State Department, Capitol, State Department’s Bureau, Political, Military Affairs, Jewish Democratic Council of America, Associated Press, NORC, for Public Affairs Research, Reuters Locations: Israel, Gaza, U.S, Saudi Arabia, United States

CNN —President Joe Biden took aim at violence against Palestinians in the West Bank in an op-ed published Saturday, signaling that the US is prepared to issue visa bans. Biden also in the op-ed rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza in the op-ed, maintaining a position he has held since the Israel-Hamas conflict began early last month. The president underscored that message in his op-ed Saturday and attempted to highlight the similarities between the two wars. “Both Putin and Hamas are fighting to wipe a neighboring democracy off the map,” Biden wrote. Biden closed with condemning the rising antisemitism and Islamophobia since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.

Persons: Joe Biden, ” Biden, Matt Miller, Biden, “, Putin, ” Organizations: CNN, West Bank, Washington Post, State Department, Hamas Locations: Washington, United States, Israel, Gaza, Ukraine

The following day, Lena and her family went back to the border — their fourth trip — as the first aid trucks were scheduled to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing. Hoping they would finally get to cross, the family waited at the border for hours, along with hundreds of others. Around 4:30 p.m., there was still no movement and no officials at the gates, Lena said. Over the next several days, Lena’s daughters in Gaza were “holding on by a thread,” Lena wrote in a message. Lena said she frequently called the State Department, but they could not tell her when she might be able to leave.

Persons: Lena, —, Lena’s, ”, “, “ I’m Organizations: State Department, Gaza Locations: Gaza, Rafah, U.S

☆ US imposes visa restrictions over actions 'undermining democracy' in Guatemala
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - The United States on Thursday imposed visa restrictions on eleven people for "undermining democracy and the rule of law" in Guatemala as it condemned attempts to undermine the transfer of power, the State Department said. "We join the Organization of American States in calling for a transfer of power that respects popular will, is consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and adheres to the rule of law in Guatemala," spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Scott MaloneOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Matthew Miller, Costas Pitas, Scott Malone Organizations: State Department, Organization of American, Inter, American Democratic Charter, Thomson Locations: United States, Guatemala

☆ US Imposes Visa Restrictions Over Actions 'Undermining Democracy' in Guatemala
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

(Reuters) - The United States on Thursday imposed visa restrictions on eleven people for "undermining democracy and the rule of law" in Guatemala as it condemned attempts to undermine the transfer of power, the State Department said. "We join the Organization of American States in calling for a transfer of power that respects popular will, is consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and adheres to the rule of law in Guatemala," spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Persons: Matthew Miller Organizations: Reuters, State Department, Organization of American, Inter, American Democratic Charter Locations: United States, Guatemala

President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced his administration secured agreements with China to resume military communications and combat fentanyl after his first in-person meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a year. “Vital miscalculations on either side can cause real, real trouble with a country like China – or any other major country,” Biden said. During the press conference, Biden added that he believes the ultimate answer to the war in Gaza is a two-state solution. Biden mentioned he raised concerns about China’s human rights and tension between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Overall, though, Biden presented an optimistic view about future relations with China.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Biden, ”, “ I’m, ” Xi, “, ” Biden, “ It's, Xi's, that’s Organizations: Wednesday, Economic Cooperation, U.S, Western, State Department Locations: China, United States, Asia, San Francisco, U.S, Beijing, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Taiwan, Philippines, South China

The two leaders, who will meet on the sidelines of a summit of Asian-Pacific leaders, last spoke a year ago. Both men are seeking to show the world that while the U.S. and China are economic competitors, they are not locked in a winner-take-all faceoff with global implications. Their relationship has been increasingly defined by differences over export controls, Taiwan and the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. Xi, meanwhile, is looking for assurances from Biden that the U.S. will not support Taiwan independence, start a new cold war or suppress China’s economic growth. “It is reported he’s very worried about the negative opinion of China in the United States,” Schumer said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi, Biden, John Kirby, “, We’re, ” Kirby, He's, Chuck Schumer, ” Schumer, Sagar Meghani Organizations: FRANCISCO, U.S, Economic Cooperation, White, Tuesday, National, State Department, APEC, Monetary Fund, Labor Department, Biden, Associated Press Locations: China, U.S, Iran, Taiwan, California, Asia, San Francisco, East, Europe, Tehran, Israel, Washington, Beijing, “, United States

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Hotels in Argentina and Uruguay reportedly rejected reservations for Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters over accusations of antisemitism leveled at the British singer known for his pro-Palestinian views. Hotels in Montevideo, in neighboring Uruguay, also refused to host him but did not provide a reason, a Pagina 12 story on Wednesday quoted Waters as saying. And I can’t go (…) because the Israeli lobby and whatever they call themselves have canceled me,” Waters told Pagina 12. Political Cartoons View All 1250 ImagesThe president of the Central Israelite Committee of Uruguay, Roby Schindler, sent a letter to the Sofitel hotel urging it not to host Waters, Pagina 12 said. The State Department said Waters has “a long track record of using antisemitic tropes to denigrate Jewish people.”Speaking to Pagina 12, he vehemently denied that.

Persons: Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Waters, “, José Mujica, ” Waters, Roby Schindler, ” Schindler, Glenn Greenwald, ” Organizations: RIO DE, —, Argentine, Central Israelite, U.S, State Department Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, Argentina, Uruguay, British, Argentina's, Buenos Aires, Hotels, Montevideo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Central, Israel

☆ IMF board approves $178 mln loan to Malawi
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Malawian Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Sosten Gwengwe speaks at the State Department in Washington, DC, U.S., September 28, 2022. Kevin Wolf/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBLANTYRE, Nov 15 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund's executive board has approved a loan of about $178 million for Malawi, with an immediate disbursement of about $35 million, the IMF said in a statement on Wednesday. "The decision is a big breather for us and our economy," Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda said in a telephone interview with Reuters. The IMF programme will unlock more financial support from development partners, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said in a televised national address late on Wednesday. The World Bank could give Malawi $60 million for trade finance, a $217 million package linked to fiscal reforms and $250 million for agriculture, Chakwera said.

Persons: Sosten Gwengwe, Kevin Wolf, Banda, Lazarus Chakwera, Chakwera, Frank Phiri, Anait Miridzhanian, David Gregorio, Sandra Maler Organizations: Finance, Economic Affairs, State Department, Rights, Monetary Fund's, Malawian, Simplex, Reuters, IMF, Bank, Thomson Locations: Washington , DC, Rights BLANTYRE, Malawi

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